TNS454 26/12/15

Christmas was approaching and we were all looking forward to the promise of the feast to come. We left the Iles des Saintes and motored in a Northerly direction towards Guadeloupe. Somewhere along the way we did a course of 085. This was the moment James W. had been waiting for. He had sworn to forgo his meal if the ship made this heading and now had a promise to keep. And he did! He buried himself in his bunk from where a scent of chocolate emanated – we knew he couldn’t possibly be eating chocolate. After all, he had been found ‘not guilty’ at his trial.

We moored at Pointe A Pitre, a large port in Guadeloupe. It was quiet in the streets, too quiet. However, a determined outing was made, for some by taxi to the Marina where a few places were open and for others to a nearby Lebanese restaurant which opened up specially for us and provided a delicious meal. Others made it to a nearby church for a colourful Mass, with lots of dancing, very unlike an English service.

Christmas Day dawned with Eggs Benedict for breakfast. A hastily arranged outing was organised by Claire and many of us found ourselves on a coach heading to the Cascade aux Ecrevisses – a waterfall and river where freshwater crayfish live. For us that meant the opportunity to frolic in a deep pool underneath a delightful waterfall. It certainly gave us a good appetite for lunch.

Mary and Micah provided an amazing meal – the full Christmas spread, served to us by the permanent crew. We loved it and so with the help of some Bucks Fizz and wine, we sang, laughed and ate a hearty repast. We opened presents and we sent texts back home to our loved ones. The merriment continued into the evening with lots of chat, Monopoly and Backgammon being played. Carols were sung and the dockside echoed to the joyful sound of Angus’ trumpet.

Our voyage photograph was taken on the dockside so we have an official record of our voyage – complete with Santa hats!